A GUIDE TO DRONE INSURANCE

Take it up before you take off

Drones are being used increasingly in industries as diverse as photography, film production, even in farming and property development. Yet many operators may be unaware of their responsibilities. Most local councils now require you to have liability insurance, while operators need to protect their valuable investment.

Rose Stanton Insurance Brokers has experience protecting specialised equipment like drones and can source 'Unmanned Aerial Systems' cover provided by one of Australia's leading insurers. The policy is actually a type of aircraft insurance, as any drone over 2kgs is considered to be an aircraft by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

Naturally this cover requires you to comply with statutory requirements and you may also need an operators licence. Which means you can't simply take off especially in urban areas, where certain councils or other governing bodies may require a permit, or where CASA requires you to first inform local air traffic controllers of your flight path.

WHAT'S COVERED

Usage for private or business or professional service. It covers total loss of the drone as well as the repair or replacement of a part, or an assembly of parts.

Third party liability including accidental bodily injury of fatality to a person as a result to damage caused by the drone is covered. There's also an allowance for legal costs and expenses in defending a claim to compensate for damages caused by the drone.

WHAT'S NOT COVERED

Drones provided for commercial rental, and illegal use of the drone. The liability cover doesn't extend to damage caused by one of your employees.